The impact of extreme heat on workplace harassment and discrimination

Abstract

I study the impact of extreme heat on the incidence of harassment and discrimination using data on Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) charges brought forward by US Postal Service (USPS) workers. I analyze more than 800,000 EEO charges filed between FYs 2004 and 2019. I find that heat stress experienced on days when maximum temperatures exceed 90°F increases EEO incidents by roughly 5% relative to days when temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. The uncovered effect is widespread across the USPS and appears to be driven by changes in the number of incidents rather than in their reporting.